Dwight E. Hitchcock

Dwight E. “Wally” Hitchcock of Van Wert was called home by his Lord and Savior at 5:10 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2014, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born July 30, 1953, in Van Wert, the son of Jesse Franklin Hitchcock, who preceded him in death, and Juanema (McElhannon) Hitchcock, who survives in Seneca, South Carolina. On July 22, 1978, he married Debra (Etzler) Hitchcock, who survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include four children, Devin (Darcy) Hitchcock, Drake (Celia Diaz) Hitchcock, Darci Hitchcock and Danielle Hitchcock, all of Van Wert; a brother, Paul (Beth) Hitchcock of Gatlinburg, Tennessee; two sisters, Darragh (Jon) Geist of Westminster, South Carolina, and Laura Williams of Marysville; and one grandchild, Adelynn Nieto.

A brother-in-law, Joseph Williams, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Hitchcock had worked at Progressive Tool & Die in Delphos, and had graduated from Clark Technical College in Springfield as a registered nurse. He also graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University School of Business.

He was a member of the former Faith Baptist Church in Van Wert and attended Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert. He was a former member of Elks Lodge 1197, Moose Lodge 1320 and the former Eagles lodge, all in Van Wert. He had coached youth sports in Van Wert for many years, was an avid sports fan and also appreciated music.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. David Ray officiating.

Calling hours are from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: To the family, YMCA of Van Wert County youth sports or Lutheran Hospital Transplant Center in Fort Wayne.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.